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Double ferrite nanocomposites with NiF 2 O 4 as the core and ZnFe 2 O 4 as the shell, were synthesised through combination of co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods. This two-step process resulted in formation of a cubic structured core of around 100 nm and a shell of zinc ferrite nanoparticles which are below 10 nm in size. The core/shell structures were characterised using various techniques such as XRD, Raman, TEM/EDS and VSM. In addition, Ni leaching out of these structures was tested in the ultra-pure water and saline solution. These analyses demonstrated that the shell of zinc ferrites effectively prevents Ni leaching from the core keeping the concentration of nickel well below the level usually found in drinking water. These core/shell nanocomposites exhibit a ferrimagnetic behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penstemon, with more than 250 species native to North America, holds significant aesthetic and ecological value in Utah, supporting diverse pollinators. Despite their significance, the survival of penstemon is threatened by challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and Utah’s naturally high soil salinity. To address these challenges and understand their adaptability, this study evaluated the salt tolerance of two penstemon species [Penstemon davidsonii (Davidson’s penstemon) and Penstemon heterophyllus (foothill penstemon)] under controlled greenhouse conditions. The aim was to develop baseline information for nursery production and landscape use that utilize reclaimed water for irrigation. Plants were irrigated weekly with a nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.0 dS·m-1 as control or a saline solution at an EC of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 dS·m-1 for 8 weeks. Half of the plants were harvested after four irrigation events, and the remaining plants were harvested after eight irrigation events. At harvest, visual rating (0 = dead and 5 = excellent without foliage salt damage), plant width, number of shoots, leaf area, shoot dry weight, leaf greenness [Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD)], stomatal conductance, and canopy temperature were collected to assess the impact of salinity stress. In both species, salt damage was dependent on the salinity levels and length of exposure. After four irrigation events, both species exhibited foliage damage that increased in severity with rising EC. The most severe damage was observed in plants receiving saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS·m-1. After eight irrigation events, P. davidsonii exposed to a saline solution with an EC of 10.0 dS·m-1 received a visual rating of 0, whereas P. heterophyllus had a visual rating of 0.4. Both species exhibited salinity-induced effects, with variations observed in the specific parameters and the degree of response. Penstemon davidsonii exhibited significant salinity stress, as indicated by reduced leaf area, shoot dry weight, SPAD reading, and stomatal conductance with increasing EC of the saline solution. In addition, in both species, at both harvests, canopy temperatures increased either linearly or quadratically by 8% to 36% as the EC levels of the saline solution increased. These results indicate that P. davidsonii was more sensitive to salinity stress than P. heterophyllus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two laterites (LA)-based geopolymers were synthesized using alkalination (GPAL) and phosphoric acid-activation (GPAC) approaches and applied to scavenge malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous (non-saline) and saline water. The precursor (LA) and geopolymers were characterized by XRF, XRD, TG/DTA SEM, and FTIR techniques. Alkalination and acid-activation resulted in morphologically distinguishable geopolymers with different porosity structures. The dissolution of mineral phases and chemical composition was dependent on the activation medium, resulting in Na-polyferrosialate and polyferrophosphosialate geopolymers for GPAL and GPAC, respectively. The adsorption kinetics data were best described by the pseudo-first-order (PFO) model wherein the adsorption rate, denoted by rate constant (k 1), increased with an increase in ionic strength (salinity). The equilibrium data were best modelled by the Sips isotherm. GPAL had a higher maximum adsorption capacity (Q ms) than GPAC in both aqueous (non-saline) and saline water. The adsorption capacities were increased in saline solution relative to aqueous solutions without NaCl, from 12.4 to 54.1 mg/g and from 57.1 to 92.0 mg/g for GPAC and GPAL, respectively. The adsorption mechanism entailed electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Salinity decreased the solubility of MG and increased the hydrophobic interactions and affinity of MG, implied by apparent equilibrium constant (K a), resulting in increased adsorption density (Q ms). These results indicate that alkaline-based geopolymers are better candidates for scavenging MG dye from water, especially in saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weathering and environmental factors to which components are exposed during their useful life can promote damage and, consequently, premature failure in service. Thus, through the morphological analysis of fracture surfaces, it is possible to identify the failure modes and the main fractographic aspects present on the fracture surface. From these data, it is possible to increase the knowledge of the behavior of the material in service or even to have information for preventive corrections in the processing and use of material. Fractographic studies of carbon fiber (CF)/thermoplastic matrix composites are still little explored in the literature and can bring important contributions to understanding the failure mode of this class of materials. The objective of this work is to study the fractographic aspects of CF/polyamide 6 (PA6) composite exposed to two different conditionings, that is, distilled water at 80 ºC and saline solution, tested in tensile. Scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the CF/PA6 laminate has a good consolidation and an excellent CF/matrix interface. Plastic deformations and fiber bridging are present in the fracture surface of the unconditioned specimens. However, after conditioning in distilled water at 80 ºC, the matrix became more fragile and the interface weaker. The conditioning in saline solution was less aggressive due to the salt effect that decreased the water migration into the specimens. The fractographic study performed shows in detail the influence of environmental deterioration using accelerated weathering on the fracture surface of thermoplastic laminates tested in tensile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of solutal-capillary instability driven by evaporation through the solution–air interface is investigated theoretically and numerically in thin saline water. A scaling analysis shows that the development of the surface tension gradient is mainly driven by evaporative mass flux rather than evaporative heat flux, leading to the onset of solutal-capillary instability. The onset time of instability is theoretically analyzed through a linear stability analysis with newly derived stability equations that consider variations in the evaporative concentration, concluding that Ma · α is the most important parameter governing the onset of solutal-capillary convection, rather than Ma or α. Correspondingly, a nonlinear numerical simulation demonstrates that as evaporation proceeds, a nonvolatile salt accumulates near the evaporating interface and inhomogeneity of the concentration along the interface, which induces solutal-capillary motion, develops. The critical onset time determined from the linear stability analysis is in good agreement with the numerical simulation outcomes. The present theoretical and numerical study provides a better understanding of the evaporation-driven instability that develops in thin liquid films under the given temperature variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effect of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on RF heating was studied in sterilized Milli-Q water and saline solution during treatments at 27.0 ± 0.6 MHz and 3.0 ± 0.02 MHz for 30 min. The presence of microorganisms caused a significant increase in temperature (maximum to 54.9 °C), with no significant decrease in cell numbers being observed for any conditions. For both media and frequencies, heating rates followed the order S. Typhimurium ≤ L. monocytogenes ≤ S. cerevisiae, except for heating at 3.0 ± 0.02 MHz in saline solution, where heating rates for S. cerevisiae and S. Typhimurium were equal. Generally, heating rates for microorganisms were significantly higher at 27.0 ± 0.6 MHz than at 3.0 ± 0.02 MHz, except for the S. cerevisiae case. Observed phenomena were probably caused by differences in the cell lipid and peptidoglycan content, with interaction effects with salt being present. This study was the first to investigate the influence of the presence of microorganisms on heating behavior of simple media. On the long term, more research on this topic could lead to finding specific RF frequencies more suitable for the heating of specific media and products for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with an insulated tip knife using diluted saline. The researchers found that employing large electrode devices for ESD in saline solution can be challenging due to current flow. To address this, they used diluted saline to modulate electrical flow and improve visibility during underwater ESD. The study included four cases, and the use of diluted saline reduced current leakage and improved the efficiency of submucosal dissection. No incidents of postbleeding or perforation were observed. The use of diluted saline expands the options for underwater ESD devices. [Extracted from the article]

Persian gum is an Iranian native gum which obtains from the trunk and branches of wild almond tree. This gum is found in different colors and there is a direct relation between its color and tannin content: the darker the color, the higher the amount of tannin. Since the bioavailability of proteins and minerals is limited by tannins, they are known as anti -nutrient compounds; hence, it is essential to remove tannin from Persian gum in order to increase its quality and amount of utilization in the food industry. Thereupon, tannin removal from Persian gum using different thermal and non -thermal methods was the main aim of this research. In this regard, soaking either in water or saline solutions (mono - and divalent salts) was considered as non -thermal method. On the other hand, autoclaving (121 ̊C for 20 min) and boiling (5, 10 and 15 min) were applied as thermal methods for tannin removal of Persian gum which was categorized based on color: white, yellow and brownish. As well, weight reduction of gum granules and rheological properties were investigated after tannin removal. According to the results, the highest tannin removal was observed in the case of brownish Persian gum and the most yield of tannin removal belonged to soaking in water for 180 min (75.67 ± 0.25 %), using CaCl 2 solution at the concentration of 1% (w/w) (74.32 ± 0.54 %) and boiling for 15 min (67.08 ± 0.19 %), respectively (p < 0.05). Based on rheological analysis, apparent viscosity of samples after soaking either in water or CaCl 2 solution as well as boiling was higher than control sample. However, the suitable rheological model for control and the treated gums was Herschel - Bulkley, indicating that type of flow behavior did not been affected by tannin removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low seed germination response and seedling growth of crops to salinity is common problem in Pakistan. To overcome this problem, seed priming is used as an economic and effective approach. Present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of halopriming of seeds on germination, growth and yield of tomato under saline conditions. The seeds of tomato variety ‘Raja’ were primed with 0, 50 mM and 100mM of NH4NO3, KNO3, and (NH4)2SO4 solutions for 12 and 24 hours. The primed seeds were irrigated separately with tap water, saline water, and Hoagland solution with saline water. The results indicated that halopriming of tomato seeds with KNO3, NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4 significantly increased the germination percentage (GP) from 58% (unprimed) to 95% (primed) while decreased the mean germination time (MGT) from 7.44 days (unprimed) to 4.6 days (primed). A significant increase was observed in the height of plant, leaf area, number of leaves, shoot and root biomass, number of fruits per plant, etc. in primed plants irrigated with Hoagland solution under saline conditions. Similarly, the halopriming with NH4NO3 and KNO3 also enhanced the chlorophyll pigments, lycopene contents, total soluble sugars, total proteins, total phenolic contents and total flavonoids in primed plants irrigated with Hoagland solutions under salt stress. Furthermore, proline contents were increased in primed plants irrigated with NaCl solution as compared to other treatments and control. In conclusion, KNO3 and NH4NO3 are more effective priming agents than (NH4)2SO4 were positively affected the germination, plant height, physiological and biochemical attributes in tomato plants under saline and non-saline conditions. The supplement of Hoagland solution under salt stress further improves the morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports measuring, modeling, and determining the optimized air ionic composition of the air at industrial premises to ensure safe living and working conditions for workers. The possibility of using saline solutions with different degrees of concentration to increase the number of negative ions in the airspace, as well as the variability of the air flow rate for the process of ionization of the air of industrial premises, has been investigated. Analysis of experimental data revealed that an increase in the concentration of saline solutions leads to a decrease in the release of the number of air ions into the vapor-air space of the room. It is proved that in order to improve air quality, it is advisable to enable air ionization using an ultrasonic air ion generator and the use of demineralized water. The optimal input parameters established for the ultrasonic installation are: s – distance to the ultrasonic installation, 40 cm; v – airflow rate, 6.00 m/s; and c – concentration of salt water solution, 3.3 %. The result reported here could be used in the design and development of a control system for an ultrasonic generator of air ions of ventilation systems and microclimate systems in order to create the most comfortable high-quality ionized air at industrial premises. To find the optimal mode of operation of the ionization process, a representation procedure for a neural network was applied, which was most accurate to determine the optimal parameters for ionizing the airspace of the working room. Optimization was performed using a Feed Forward Bottle Neck Neural Network (FFBN NN) representation. This approach allows one to determine several optimal conditions for the process under study on the basis of a compromise solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust and fine superabsorbent polymer particles (< 150 µm) cause problems during absorbency through the gel blockage phenomenon. Hence, they are removed and considered as waste materials which can harshly raise economic and environmental issues for industries. The recycling of this class of material is of great importance. Herein, the fine acrylate-based SAP particles have been recycled using silicone-based coupling agents as reactant via IPN and crosslinking strategies to agglomerate the fine particles. The process has been conducted in three major steps: treatment solution preparation, agglomeration and moulding the SAP fines through the impregnation approach, and then pulverizing the moulded SAP. ATR-FTIR, SEM, oscillatory rheometer and compression strength analysis were employed for this study. The effect of acetone-to-water ratio, reactant type and extent on free swelling capacities in deionized water and saline solution, absorbency under load (AUL), recycling performance, elastic and loss moduli, and compression strength have been investigated. The fine SAP can be recycled up to 80% without any deteriorated properties, either swelling or mechanical; even recycling can raise the swollen gel strength under stress. The analytical investigation of recycled SAP particles reveals a well-attached porous structure that incredibly maintains its integrity in wet and dry states. The weld lines have been perfectly covered by siloxane-based IPN formation. The ability to design and tune the shape of the absorbent article with definite strength based on application makes this recycling process promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albizia julibrissin (mimosa tree) and (Japanese pagoda tree) are drought-tolerant landscape plants; however, salinity responses of these two species are not well documented. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological and physiological responses of these two species to three salinity levels in greenhouse conditions. Two studies were conducted in the summer/early fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021. In 2020, uniform plants were irrigated weekly for the first 2 weeks and every other day for the following 3 weeks with a nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS•m-1 as a control or saline solution at ECs of 5.0 or 10.0 dS•m-1. In 2021, plants were irrigated weekly for 8 weeks with the same treatment solutions as described previously. and survived in both experiments with minimal foliar salt damage (leaf burn or necrosis). Irrigation water at ECs of 5.0 and 10.0 dS•m21 reduced plant height and dry weight (DW) of both species. In the fall experiment, irrigated with a saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS•m-1 had the highest reduction in plant height (61%) compared with the control. and irrigated with a saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS•m-1had 52% and 47% reductions in shoot DW compared with the control, respectively. In the spring experiment, compared with the control, there were 72% and 45% reductions in height of and respectively, when irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 10.0dS•m-1. In addition, compared with the control, and had 58% and 64% reductions in shoot DW, respectively, when irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS•m-1. Increasing salinity levels in the irrigation water also reduced leaf greenness [Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD)], leaf net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), and transpiration rate (E) of both species. Furthermore, sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl- concentrations in leaves were affected by elevated salinity levels in the irrigation water. Visual score, Pn, S, and negatively correlated to Na+ and Cl- concentrations in leaves. But Cl- accumulation had more impact on the growth A. julibrissin and S. japonica. In summary, both species were tolerant to saline solution irrigation up to 5.0 dS m-1 and moderately tolerant to saline solution irrigation up to 10.0 dS m-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion of the red ink in saline water is completely stochastic and highly unpredictable, and no differential model can precisely describe the process. This paper elucidates that the diffusion takes place in a molecule scale, therefore, the continuum assumption in fluid mechanics becomes totally invalid, and the twoscale fractal calculus has to be adopted to take into account the effects of the particles' size in the red ink and the properties of the saline solution including its concentration, water molecule's size and distribution on the diffusion process. On the molecule's scale, the diffusion becomes completely deterministic and predictable. An experiment is carefully designed and some phenomena, including optical observation and highly selective diffusion routine, are theoretically explained. This paper sheds light on modeling various contamination diffusion in air and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multi‐length scale anatomical study explores the influence of mild cartilage structural degeneration on the tissue swelling response. While the swelling response of cartilage has been studied extensively, this is the first study to reveal and correlate tissue microstructure and ultrastructure, with the swelling induced cartilage tissue strains. Cartilage sample strips (n = 30) were obtained from the distal‐lateral quadrant of thirty mildly degenerate bovine patellae and, following excision from the bone, the cartilage strips were allowed to swell freely for 2 h in solutions of physiological saline and distilled water successively. The swelling response of this group of samples were compared with that of healthy cartilage, with (n = 20) and without the surface layer (n = 20). The subsequent curling response of cartilage showed that in healthy tissue it was highly variable, and with the surface removed some samples curved in the opposite direction, while in the mildly degenerate tissue group, virtually all tissue strips curved in a consistent upward manner. A significant difference in strain was observed between healthy samples with surface layer removed and mildly degenerate samples, illustrating how excision of the surface zone from pristine cartilage is insufficient to model the swelling response of tissue which has undergone natural degenerative changes. On average, total tissue thickness increased from 940 µm (healthy) to 1079 µm (mildly degenerate), however, looking at the zonal strata, surface and transition zone thicknesses both decreased while deep zone thickness increased from healthy to mildly degenerate tissue. Morphologically, changes to the surface zone integrity were correlated with a diminished surface layer which, at the ultrastructural scale, correlated with a decreased fibrillar density. Similarly, fibrosity of the general matrix visible at the microscale was associated with a loss of later interconnectivity resulting in large, aggregated fibril bundles. The microstructural and ultrastructural investigation revealed that the key differences influencing the tissue swelling strain response was (1) the thickness and extent of disruption to the surface layer and (2) the amount of fibrillar network destructuring, highlighting the importance of the collagen and tissue matrix structure in restraining cartilage swelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work aims to research the effect of dibutyl succinate on the water-absorbing and water-holding properties of the composite superabsorbents enriched in the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. The synthesized composite superabsorbents with a different content of dibutyl succinate were analyzed by FTIR, SEM, XRD, DSC, and rheological measurements; equilibrium swelling ratio values, Qe, in distilled water and in a saline solution were determined; and swelling kinetics, water-holding properties, and regeneration ability were researched. It was found that adding 5% w of dibutyl succinate increases Qe values in distilled water up to 51% compared to blank superabsorbents. The effect of a plasticizer is due to its selective interaction with intramolecular H-bond-forming links, which increases the flexibility of the polymeric network and the availability of sorption sites for water molecules. The non-outwashing of a plasticizer in an aqueous medium was confirmed by HPLC–MS. The presence of dibutyl succinate does not change the water absorption mechanism controlled by chemisorption and pseudo-Fickian diffusion of water molecules but accelerates the equilibrium swelling ratio achievement. Also, there is no significant impact of a plasticizer on the water-holding properties of the synthesized superabsorbents at 80 °C, as well as on their reusability, which retains during several swelling-deswelling cycles. So, dibutyl succinate may be applied as an efficient plasticizer enhancing water sorption properties of the composite superabsorbents based on carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Three novel hydrogels with high antimicrobial activity were synthesized from grafting of corn starch with 4-acrylamidobenzoic acid (4ABA) and diallyldimethylammonium chloride as cross-linkers (CLs). Three concentrations of the cross-linker (3%, 5% and 10% based on starch weight) were used to give three hydrogels designated as St-g-P4ABA/PCL3, St-g-P4ABA/PCL5 and St-g-P4ABA PCL10, respectively. The structure of the prepared hydrogels was evidenced by FTIR, 1H-NMR, XRD and SEM techniques. The thermal stability as well as the swelling behavior of the starch hydrogels was investigated, and the results revealed high thermal stability and potential swell ability in water and 9% saline solution for the hydrogels compared with the native starch. They showed a higher swelling degree in acidic, basic and neutral buffer solutions; lower degradation was observed in acidic and basic media after 96 h. Starch hydrogel's antimicrobial activity actions against various types of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungi demonstrated higher growth inhibition ability against all tested microorganisms compared to zero-native starch inhibitions. The hydrogels did not demonstrate cytotoxicity on normal human cells and can therefore be used safely in pharmaceutical applications and drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibacterial absorbent fabrics were prepared through by the immersion of polyester polyester–cotton fabrics in a soaking media, containing novel functional acrylic monomers and various antibacterial agents. 2-acrylamido 2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and a novel functional star-shaped oligomer (FSO) were used as monomers for inducing the absorbency and compatibility to the fabric. FSO in two steps and employing condensation reaction between glycerol and lactic acid via multi-step microwave irradiation was synthesized. Bio-based materials, such as gallic acid and tannic acid, were used as antibacterial agents to induce antibacterial activity to the cotton fabric. ATR-FTIR, H NMR, SEM, contact angle, as well as antibacterial activity, absorbency in distilled water and saline solution have been employed for further evaluation. The swelling capacity of the modified absorbent fabric H1 (AMPS/FSO: 50:/50 wt%) was up to 21.1 g/g−1 in distilled water, and 6.1 g/g−1 in saline solution. Antibacterial properties tests of these absorbent fabrics showed a good antibacterial behavior, against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] As pulmonary dysfunctions are prospective factors for developing cancer, efforts are needed to solve the limitations regarding applications in lung cancer. Fractional order respiratory impedance models can be indicative of lung cancer dynamics and tissue heterogeneity. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the existence of a tumorous tissue in the lung modifies the parameters of the proposed models. The first use of a prototype forced oscillations technique (FOT) device in a mimicked lung tumor setup is investigated by comparing and interpreting the experimental findings. The fractional order model parameters are determined for the mechanical properties of the healthy and tumorous lung. Two protocols have been performed for a mimicked lung tumor setup in a laboratory environment. A low frequency evaluation of respiratory impedance model and nonlinearity index were assessed using the forced oscillations technique. The viscoelastic properties of the lung tissue change, results being mirrored in the respiratory impedance assessment via FOT. The results demonstrate significant differences among the mimicked healthy and tumor measurements, (p -values < 0.05) for impedance values and also for heterogeneity index. However, there was no significant difference in lung function before and after immersing the mimicked lung in water or saline solution, denoting no structural changes. Simulation tests comparing the changes in impedance support the research hypothesis. The impedance frequency response is effective in non-invasive identification of respiratory tissue abnormalities in tumorous lung, analyzed with appropriate fractional models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The thermodynamic properties of CP hydrate were experimentally measured. • The efficiency of CP HBD was evaluated using a combination of experimental measurements and thermodynamic correlations. • Heat required for cooling and hydrate formation in CP HBD was estimated. • Efficiency-maximized temperature in CP HBD was suggested. Hydrate-based desalination (HBD) shows promise as a freshwater production technology for saline water. Liquid-phase hydrate formers, with their ability to facilitate hydrate formation at atmospheric pressure, have gained attention for their high energy efficiency in HBD. This study explored cyclopentane (CP) HBD by experimentally measuring the thermodynamic properties of CP hydrate in saline solutions and developing a theoretical framework to estimate the water yield of CP HBD under various operating conditions. The measured dissociation enthalpy of CP hydrate was found to be 12 % and 22 % lower compared to those of propane and R134a hydrates, respectively. The equilibrium dissociation temperatures of CP hydrate at different NaCl concentrations under atmospheric pressure were experimentally measured and then predicted using the Hu–Lee–Sum correlation. The theoretically achievable maximum salinity and water yield for CP HBD were calculated in the temperature range of 268–280 K and the initial salinity range of 0–8 wt.%. Additionally, the concept of HBD heat efficiency, representing the maximum amount of pure water producible per unit of heat, was introduced to identify an optimal operating condition for the HBD process. Efficiency-maximized temperatures, where the HBD heat efficiency reached its peaks, were determined for various initial salinities in the process, for example, 273.4 K for NaCl 3.5 wt.% solution. This novel approach provides invaluable guidance for determining the most energy-efficient operating conditions in the HBD process and establishes a solid foundation for further advancements in this field. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The concentration of Cl− has a significant impact on the conversion of oxidative species. • The CoS@FeS catalyst can improve RhB mineralization and inhibition of the AOX formation. • The in-situ generation of H 2 O 2 consumes HClO and thus inhibits the formation of AOX. • The H 2 O 2 concentration related closely with the catalyst and O 2 dosages. The presence of chloride ions (Cl−) in dye wastewater can hinder the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation and lead to the abundant production of toxic adsorbable organic halogens (AOX). In this study, we investigate the detailed influence of Cl− on Rhodamine B (RhB) removal and its mechanism, and propose a potential pathway for 1O 2 -dominated systems to inhibit AOX formation. The concentration of Cl− has a dual effect on the degradation of RhB, with low concentrations inhibiting and high concentrations promoting. Further studies have revealed that Cl− significantly impact the generation and transformation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). EPR capturing, quenching tests, and molecular probe experiments indicate that as the Cl− concentration increases, the concentration of SO 4 −, OH and their contribution to the degradation of RhB gradually decrease, 1O 2 slightly increase and then decrease, while HClO and chlorine radicals increase linearly. Additionally, the catalyst plays a crucial role in inhibiting AOX formation and improving the mineralization of RhB. On the one hand, introducing catalysts can alter the proportion of ROSs production. On the other hand, the in-situ generation of H 2 O 2 on the catalyst surface, through O 2 adsorption at sulfur vacancies sites, consumes the produced HClO, thereby inhibiting the formation of AOX. This study proposed a new insight into the mechanism for effective reduction of AOX content for 1O 2 dominated non-radical PMS activation under saline water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryo-desalination is an effective technology of separating freshwater from saline solution. Freeze desalination experiments were conducted using saltwater from southern Xinjiang, China. In gradual freezing and melting experiments, three freezing temperatures were chosen to investigate ion migration pattern during freezing/melting process, and to analyze the key factors governing ion migration under conditions of different ion types (charges, radius) and various initial concentrations. Experimental results showed that in the freezing process of saltwater, the ion migration behaviors appeared a significant correlation with the initial ion concentration, ion radius, and freezing temperature. Monatomic ions with higher concentration and a larger radius were more likely to be "trapped" by ice crystals during freezing at lower temperatures. Sulfate ions were difficult to remove during freezing. Different dissolution concentrations of the ions were evident during melting. Specifically, all the ions were significantly removed from the ice body during the initial melting stage, and ice meltwater type progressively switched from Cl-Na to Cl•SO 4 -Na during melting. In the process of gradual melting, the ion concentration data of ice meltwater can be well fitted by the ion deviation coefficient equation. The gravity force-driven desalination provides a new algorithm for accurately retaining high-quality ice-melting water. • Ion migration patterns from saltwater to ice are related to initial ion concentration and radius, and freezing temperature. • Sulfate ions were relatively difficult to remove during freezing. • Water quality type of ice meltwater progressively changed from Cl-Na to Cl•SO 4 -Na with melting time. • Deviation coefficient equation provides a new algorithm for accurately retaining high-quality ice-melting water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas hydrate formation and dissociation have been extensively studied in past decades after introducing hydrate-based technology in the energy and environmental fields. Among all, hydrate-based water desalination (HBWD) has been receiving significant attention because of the shortage in water resources. The present study investigates the equilibrium conditions for gas hydrate formation from propane and carbon dioxide gas mixtures in the presence of pure water and low saline aqueous solutions for the first time. According to the carried out sensitivity analysis on thermodynamic equilibrium conditions of the CO 2 +C 3 H 8 mixture with different mole fractions of propane (5–50% C 3 H 8 + balanced CO 2) it was concluded that the addition of propane above 20% did not significantly affect the hydrate equilibrium condition. Experiments have been carried out with an initial gas molar composition of 20% C 3 H 8 and 80% CO 2 in a temperature range of 275.15–280.15 K, at isochoric conditions for the first time. The inhibition effect on the equilibrium conditions is reported in the case of NaCl addition (1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt%). A reasonable agreement between the experimental data and those calculated from the thermodynamic model applied in this study has been obtained. According to the tests results, the coefficient of determination (R squared) of the final results of the conducted tests and the model predictions are 0.9987 and 0.9950 for pure and saline water, respectively. • Hydrate-based water desalination using propane/CO2 mixture considered. • Initial gas composition was 20 mol % C 3 H 8 and 80 mol % CO 2. • The process was carried out in a temperature range of 275.15–280.15 K at isochoric conditions. • Salt inhibition effect on equilibrium conditions reported for NaCl (1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt%). • The thermodynamic model vigorously predicts equilibrium conditions with R2 > 0.99. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Solution increased the electrostatic effect and interaction energy in asphalt binder and mastic. • The moisture damage on the asphalt-aggregate interface was the most obvious under alkaline erosion. • The moisture susceptibility of interface of mastic is lower than that of the binder. The asphalt mixture is easily affected by water erosion with different solutes. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method was adopted to explore the influence of solute on the nanostructure and interface interaction of both virgin/SBS asphalt binder and mastic. The changes of potential energy of asphalt solution erosion model (ASEM), as well as fractions aggregation caused by water molecules were observed. Moreover, differences on diffusion of water molecules caused by the studied solutes were explained. On this basis, the analysis of hydrogen bonds is also carried out. The results showed that saline/alkali solutes hindered the diffusion of water molecules, where water molecules in saline environment behaved the slowest diffusion rate. Meanwhile, salt maximized the hydrogen bond adsorption of water molecules on the surface of filler (silica). The mastic with a filler/binder ratio of 1.2 had the highest diffusion coefficient. From the interface perspective, an obvious interaction between calcite and solution was detected, and the salt and alkali proceeded the debonding effect of original water condition. The alkali solution led to the greatest moisture damage to the asphalt-solution-aggregate model (ASAM), followed by the saline solution. In this case, the SBS asphalt binder/mastic exhibited a higher water stability than the virgin. This study contributed to a basic reference for understanding the moisture-induced damage of asphalt mixtures under various solution conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes are outstanding candidates for desalination and wastewater treatment thanks to the fast water permeation through two-dimensional nanocapillaries, combined with size and electrostatic ion exclusion mechanisms. However, their use for ionic and molecular separations is limited due to swelling phenomena which reduce both, selectivity and mechanical stability of GO laminates. This work focuses on the design and development of an environmental-friendly electrostatically driven method for preparing graphene oxide composite membranes with amazing stability in aqueous solutions. The experimental results highlight the key role of support chemistry, surface charge, and topography to obtain composite membranes free from swelling or delamination issues. A macroporous co-poly(amide-imide) membrane crosslinked with diamines (PAI_CL) results in an excellent support for the production of stable GO composite membranes. The GO composite membrane is stable for more than 30 days at 60 °C in water and saline solutions. On the contrary state-of-the-art GO membranes prepared by filtration through a porous support give almost immediate separation of the GO layer deposited from the support when in contact with water even at room temperature. An interlayer spacing of ∼9 Å is maintained after long term storing of the composite membranes in water or saline solution. GO-PAI_CL membrane developed are able to reject organic dyes with water flux more than 1000 times higher than predicted for a viscous flux through such GO model membrane. Moreover, the composite membranes produced are also stable in organic solvents, opening the perspective of potential application in organic solvent nanofiltration. [Display omitted] • GO composite membranes showed high stability in water and saline solutions. • A crosslinked PAI membrane, with a positive surface charge, was used as support. • GO/support electrostatic interactions were exploited to have stable membranes. • A sustainable and scalable membrane preparation protocol was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Rinsing could significantly affect the aroma profiles of grass carp mince. • HS-SPME-GC-MS identified 57 volatile compounds in grass carp mince. • HS-GC-IMS identified 20 volatile compounds in grass carp mince. • The washing sample with a weak alkaline solution has better sensory acceptability. The aroma characteristics of grass carp mince washed in four processes were analyzed via electronic nose (E-nose), headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), and sensory analysis techniques. Significant differences were revealed in the E-nose and sensory analysis results of the aroma characteristics of grass carp mince samples washed via different washing processes, while fifty-seven volatile compounds (thirteen aldehydes, eighteen alcohols, two ketones, eighteen hydrocarbons, two aromatic compounds, one furan, and two other compounds) and twenty volatile compounds (five aldehydes, four ketones, six alcohols, four esters, and one acid) were identified via HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS of the Raw and washed grass carp mince samples, respectively. All these techniques revealed that the types and relative contents of volatile compounds in the grass carp mince decreased significantly and differently after each of the four washing processes. Moreover, compared with the water and saline solution washing processes, washing with weak alkaline solution processes exhibited the most significant removal effect on the volatile compounds of grass carp mince. Besides, the sensory analysis results also showed that weak alkaline solution washing processes (washing twice with pure water and once with 0.3% sodium bicarbonate solution) may be most effective in removing fishy off-odor compounds and contributing to a better overall aroma profile in grass carp mince. The findings of this study may provide some basic knowledge for the rational screening of washing methods in the production of high-quality grass carp surimi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Brine is a naturally occurring and industrially produced saline water solution. • Brine utilization & resource recovery through Minimal/Zero Liquid Discharge (MLD/ZLD). • Recovery of water, value-added chemicals, and energy from brine. • Circularity and carbon-neutrality in brine management can be accomplished. Brine is a saline water present in the natural environment and produced by desalination and other process industries such as the oil & gas, textile, leather, food, dairy, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. Although brine was designated to be discharged in the early stages of the brine management strategy, its environmental impacts have recently prompted the adoption of a new management approach. This change is the shift from disposal to utilization and resource recovery. Apart from being a source of freshwater, brine can also be a source of salts, minerals, metals, chemicals, bioactive compounds, and even energy (known as 'osmotic power', 'salinity gradient power' or 'blue energy'). Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems can be employed for the treatment and recovery of valuable resources. This review article is the first to investigate and evaluate the potential of recovering all of the resources present in brine through its treatment and utilization in MLD/ZLD systems. Overall, the challenges, research gaps, and future prospects are identified through this analysis, with the ultimate goals of decarbonized and sustainable brine management. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of dyeing wastewater has become one of the important restrictive factors for the green manufacturing and sustainable development of textile industry. Realizing the maximum reuse of dyeing wastewater resources is an efficient solution. Vacuum membrane distillation crystallization (VMDC) coupling process can separate and recover the components such as fresh water and salts (mordants) in dyeing wastewater as well as achieve the concentration of the valuable substances (dyes) simultaneously. In this study, hollow fiber VMDC coupling process was developed for the treatment of saline dye solution to recover the inorganic salt (mordant Al(NO 3) 3) and fresh water while realize the high-multiple concentration of dyes (Congo red, CR). High-performance hydrophobic PVDF hollow fiber porous membrane was prepared by the dry-jet wet-spinning technique and used in the VMDC process. The VMDC process in one cycle was optimized, including MD section, crystallization and membrane cleaning process. Variations of MD separation performance including permeate water flux and solute rejection of PVDF hollow fiber membrane for CR and Al(NO 3) 3 with operating time was determined by the vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) experiment. A three-cycle VMDC process was developed and the variations of MD separation performance and crystal yield in each VMDC cycle were investigated. In each VMDC process, the rejection of CR and Al (NO 3) 3 by hollow fiber MD can be maintained above 99%. With the extension of VMDC operating time, the gradually decreased water flux can be recovered by around 90% through the combined cleaning method of NaOH and absolute ethanol (abs). In the three-cycle of VMDC process, 42.5, 32.5 and 9.8% of water were recovered from the feed solution with a total recovery ratio of 84.8%. In the second and third VMDC cycles, 48.0 and 21.5% of the salts in the saline dye solution were obtained with a total salt recovery ratio of 69.5%. An estimation of economic cost was also made to evaluate the economic feasibility of the proposed MDC process for its practical application. Hollow fiber VMDC coupling process was proved to be a simultaneously efficient separation method of saline dye solution. [Display omitted] • Hollow fiber VMDC coupling process was developed for the treatment of saline dye solution. • A three-cycle VMDC coupling process was designed for continuous highly efficient separation. • Total salt recovery ratio and water recovery ratio can reach 69.5% and 84.8%, respectively. • Dyes can be concentrated to 6.5 times the initial concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry eye disease (DED) is caused by a reduction in the volume or quality of tears. The prevalence of DED is estimated to be 100 million in the developed world. As aging is a risk factor for DED, the prevalence of DED is expected to grow at a rapid pace in aging populations, thus creating an increased need for new therapies. This review summarizes DED medications currently in clinical use. Most current medications for DED focus on stimulating tear secretion, mucin secretion, or suppressing inflammation, rather than simply replenishing the ocular surface with moisture to improve symptoms. We recently reported that the neuropeptide PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) induces tear secretion and suppresses corneal injury caused by a reduction in tears. Moreover, it has been reported that a PACAP in water and a 0.9% saline solution at +4 °C showed high stability and achieved 80–90% effectiveness after 2 weeks of treatment. These results reveal PACAP as a candidate DED medication. Further research on the clinical applications of PACAP in DED is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy (RT) has been widely used as a powerful treatment tool to address cancerous tissues because of its ability to control cell growth. Radiation-induced injury is damage to normal tissues caused by unintentional exposure to ionizing radiation during RT. Image-based evaluation of tissue damage by irradiation has an advantage for the early assessment of therapeutic effects by providing sensitive information on minute tissue responses in situ. Recent magnetic resonance (MR)-based electrical conductivity imaging has shown potential as an effective early imaging biomarker for treatment response and radiation-induced injury. However, to be a tool for evaluating therapeutic effects, validation of its reliability and sensitivity according to various irradiation conditions is required. We performed MR-based electrical conductivity imaging on designed phantoms to confirm the effect of ionizing radiation at different doses and on in vivo mouse brains to distinguish tissue response depending on different doses and the elapsed time after irradiation. To quantify the irradiation effects, we measured the absolute conductivity of brain tissues and calculated relative conductivity changes based on the value of pre-irradiation. The conductivity of the phantoms with the distilled water and saline solution increased linearly with the irradiation doses. The conductivity of in vivo mouse brains showed different time-course variations and residual contrast depending on the irradiation doses. Future studies will focus on validation at long-term time points, including early and late delayed response and evaluation of irradiation effects in various tissue types such as tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new cloud point extraction-chromogenic system for Cu(II) was studied. • A novel commercially available hydrophobic thiazolylazo dye was used. • The developed procedure is simple, sensitive, economical, and green. • Water samples and a saline solution for infusion were analyzed for Cu(II). A simple, cheap, and environmentally friendly centrifuge-less cloud point extraction procedure was developed for the preconcentration of traces of Cu(II) before its spectrophotometric determination. It is based on a complexation reaction with the hydrophobic azo reagent 6-hexyl-4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol (HTAR), in which a complex with a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 and an absorption maximum at 535 nm is formed. The experimental conditions for Cu(II) determination were found: HTAR concentration (8 × 10−6 mol mL−1), mass fraction of the surfactant Triton X-114 (2.2%), pH (5.9, ammonium acetate buffer), and incubation time (10 min at 60 °C). The linear range, limit of detection, molar absorption coefficient and preconcentration factor were calculated to be 4.5–254 ng mL−1, 1.34 ng mL−1, 2.54 × 105 L mol−1 cm−1, and 10, respectively. The effect of foreign ions was studied, and the proposed procedure was applied to the analysis of water samples and a saline solution for intravenous infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to determine the potential for fluorine release from an original composite material blended with nanofluoroapatite (FAp). The level of fluoride ion emission into deionized water and saline was studied over a period of 12 weeks. Values were recorded after 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and then weekly for a period of 12 weeks. There were statistically significant differences in the periods of fluoride ion release from 5%FAp and 2%FAp materials into saline solution as well as into deionized water. The highest fluorine release from 5%FAp + polymer was observed in the 10th and 11th week of incubation (for saline solution) and in the 9th, 10th, and 11th week (for deionized water). The highest fluorine release from 2%FAp + polymer was observed in the 9th, 11th, and 12th week of incubation for both environments. Total fluoride ion release from 5%FAp + polymer and mean fluoride release levels were similar in 5%FAp and 2%FAp in both environments. Both tested materials (5%FAp and 2%FAp) show the ability to release fluoride ions over a long time in the experimental environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Geopolymers cast in saline solutions were characterized for mechanical properties. • Fast chemical exchanges occurs between geopolymer slurry and curing solution. • Mainly Na+ and OH− ions diffuse into or out of the being-cured geopolymer slurry. • A critical Na/Al ratio exists for the best strength of saline water-cured geopolymers. • Ion migration and setting are two competing processes affecting mechanical properties. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the effects of pre-setting chemical exchanges on the mechanical and chemical properties of geopolymers cast and cured in saline solutions of 0, 15, and 35 ppt in concentration to mimic saline underground and underwater environments, using a mixture of Class C fly ash and metakaolin at a mass ratio of 1:1 as the raw material. While the Si/Al molar ratio of the studied geopolymer was fixed at 2.00, the Na/Al ratio varied from 0.67, 0.80, 0.84, to 1.00. Upon completion of 28-day curing, the mechanical properties, mineralogy, microstructure, and chemical compositions of the geopolymers were characterized by unconfined compression, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence, respectively, while changes in the pH and salinity of the curing solutions were also measured. Results show that the effect of casting and curing in saline solutions on mechanical properties depends upon both the solution's salinity and geopolymer's Na/Al ratio: while the strength of geopolymers with a Na/Al ratio of 0.67 and 0.80 increases with the salinity, the counterparts with a Na/Al ratio of 0.84 and 1.00 exhibit the opposite. The underlying mechanisms are actually the pre-setting chemical exchanges between the under-curing geopolymer slurry and curing water, which are retarded and mitigated by the setting and hardening of the geopolymer slurry. The new results uncover that there exists a critical Na/Al ratio for the highest mechanical strength of geopolymers cast in saline waters, and excessive Na+ cations diffused into the geopolymer slurry may be detrimental to the strength development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]